Cancer. The very word strikes terror in the hearts of many. According to "Cancer Facts and Figures 2010", published on the American Cancer Society website, one of every two American men have a lifetime risk of getting cancer. American women fare slightly better; one out of three will face the dread disease. It is uncommon to find someone whose life has not been touched by cancer through a friend or family member.
The Bible does not mention cancer. However, in Biblical times there was another disease that was considered a death sentence: leprosy. Physicians could not cure it. Anyone with leprosy was forced to leave home and family and avoid all contact with people except others in the same condition. While contemporary medical professionals do not treat cancer patients so harshly, society struggles to merge the reality of life’s need to move on with the nightmare of leaving someone behind.
Christian Cancer Patients Ask for God's Help in Prayer
King David wrote in Psalm 23, “Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure." (Verse 4, The Message)
Today, such confidence in God’s care is rare. It is not easy for self-sufficient and independent Christians fighting cancer to humble themselves and ask for help. Yet children of God are encouraged to tell God their troubles. Pretending everything is okay is stressful while being honest with God – and yourself – can be therapeutic.
Sample Prayer for a Christian Fighting Cancer
If the following prayer rings true, pray it. If not, make changes so that it becomes your prayer, your heart’s cry to God.
“Almighty God, what is happening to me? Am I going to die?
“You have promised not to give me more than I can bear, but how do I know I can make it? I am faced with hurdles far beyond my ability to leap, vast areas of quicksand with no obviously safe passage.
“Sometimes my family and my friends, those who love me, do not even know how to talk to me. Things we need to say are ignored as we speak of unimportant things: the weather, the news. This unspeakable tragedy has created a chasm between us. Always present is the overwhelming horror of their future – without me – that death bestows on the living.
“I have lost control of my life, of what happens to me. My options are limited and the doctors tell me to sign consent forms. They don’t offer me a return to my normal life. They speak of operations, therapies, and powerful medicines that will kill the cancer cells; and, kill me too, if not restrained. Specialists dangle a future of months or possibly years – with no guarantees – as bait for their invasive procedures. My mind is spinning, flying from thought to irrational thought as my fears surround me.
"God, I can’t live like this!
“My life looks so different now. Comfort me as I let go of the future that I thought was mine, as I look at the shattered pieces of my previous life and realize I can’t put it back together. Create for me a new reality, one that is bigger than what I think is possible.
“Faith. I always thought faith was about believing in You, in Your deity, Your holiness. Now I need more, I need to have faith that You will take care of me. I must trust You. I’m not asking for generic blessings or for Your provision for a distant future. I need Your hand holding me up right now, so I can face some really tough things. Help me trust You to provide the strength, the wisdom and even the desire to make it through each day, each hour.
“Use this illness, Lord, to teach me more about You. Let the pain I feel remind me of the painful sacrifice You embraced on the cross, to rid the world of sin. As I focus inwardly on the healing of my physical state, let my withdrawal from the normal cares and duties of life provide time and space to draw closer and get to know You better.
“Remind me of the many ways you have cared for me in the past. Guide me, each moment, as I learn to live in the present. Teach me to be gracious so that those who feel awkward around me are comforted. Kindly redirect my focus so that gratitude replaces my fear, worry and self-pity.
"In the name of Jesus, who healed disease and provided eternal life, amen.
The Bible Says the Holy Spirit Will Help Christians With Prayer
When a Christian is sick, a prayer asking God for help, is a step towards health. It takes humility to ask for help, sometimes more humility than can be mustered. Cancer treatment may leave a patient feeling so overwhelmed that just the requirements of daily life may seem too difficult. At such times, God can make a difference by providing even the impetus for getting help.
The apostle Paul suffered many things. He wrote, “. . . the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26, New King James Version of the Bible)
Sources:
- Holy Bible
- American Cancer Society
Mistie Shaw - Writing for nearly half a century, Shaw's interests and education meander from music to the military, and from faith to fun.
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